杏MAP导航

By Vatican News staff reporters

In off-the-cuff remarks to participants in the Eleventh International Thomistic Congress, 杏MAP导航 Francis emphasized that following a great thinker like Saint Thomas means reflecting on a guide and master, not just another intellectual.

The danger of 鈥渋nstrumentalizing鈥� Thomas

杏MAP导航 Francis warned that within Thomism, there is a danger of 鈥渋nstrumentalizing鈥� St Thomas; and gives the example of the many interpretations that make the saint a slave of 鈥渃asuistic thinking." Such a procedure risks making a 鈥渕ockery鈥� of the master鈥檚 thought.

Instead, he insisted, a proper study of the master鈥檚 thought involves contemplation, which is followed by an explanation of his thought. Finally, cautiously, one can attempt to interpret his thought. 杏MAP导航 Francis cautions that one must never 鈥渦se鈥� or instrumentalise the master to advance one鈥檚 own position, but rather, place one鈥檚 own thoughts in the light of the master.

A lesson in Thomistic theology

To illustrate the point, 杏MAP导航 Francis points to Dominican Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who, during the debate at the Synod of the family gave a lesson on Thomistic theology. Cardinal Schönborn, he said, 鈥渦nderstood Thomas and explained him, without using him.鈥�

From this example, the 杏MAP导航 indicated the correct procedure to follow: 鈥淏efore speaking of St Thomas, before speaking of Thomism, before teaching, one must contemplate: contemplate the master, understand beyond intellectual thought what the master lived and what the master wanted to tell us.鈥�

Saint Thomas, 杏MAP导航 Francis concluded, 鈥渨as a light to the thought of the Church, and we must defend him from all these 'intellectualistic reductionisms' that imprison the greatness of his magisterial thought.鈥�

鈥淎 faithful disciple of incarnate Wisdom鈥�

A printed copy of the speech the 杏MAP导航 had prepared for the audience was also given to participants. In it, 杏MAP导航 Francis recalled St Thomas Aquinas as a 鈥渇aithful disciple of incarnate Wisdom鈥� and a 鈥渢ireless seeker after the face of God,鈥� in an address to participants of the XI International Thomistic Congress, sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Angelicum Thomistic Institute.

Taking up the liturgical prayer for the saint鈥檚 feast, the Holy Father highlighted Thomas鈥� pursuit of holiness and passion for sacred doctrine. 鈥淗ere we find also your spiritual programme,鈥� he said: 鈥渢o imitate the Saint and to allow yourselves to be illuminated and guided by the Doctor and Teacher.鈥�

Engaging in dialogue with the modern world

The desire for a deeper understanding of the faith, he continued, is not 鈥渙ptional for the believer,鈥� but rather 鈥渁 part of the very dynamism of faith.鈥� Seeking God must be undertaken in a spirit of prayer and contemplation, using the two 鈥渨ings鈥� of faith and adoration.

In doing so, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渢he Christian is not afraid to initiate a sincere, rational dialogue with the culture of their own time,鈥� recognizing that 鈥渆very truth, by whomever spoken, comes from the Holy Spirit."

An ever-living fount

杏MAP导航 Francis also emphasized that the study of St Thomas must be 鈥渁n ever-living fount, according to the theme of the Congress: 'Vetera novis augere' [Enhance the old with the new]: The resources of the Thomist tradition in the current context.鈥� Thomism, he said, must be engaged both in studying Thomas鈥� thought in its original historical and cultural context, and then engaging in dialogue with the modern world.

Using just one example, the 杏MAP导航 pointed to St Thomas鈥� teaching on creation. For Thomas, he said, creation is the very first manifestation of God鈥檚 generosity and mercy. Thomas is able to contemplate the beauty of God in the diversity of the created order, in which every created thing comes from God and is directed to God, all working together to demonstrate God鈥檚 goodness.

鈥淕o to Thomas!鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his reflection by making his own recommendation: 鈥淕o to Thomas! Do not be afraid to increase and enrich with new things the ancient and ever fruitful things of the past.鈥�